Credit: Getty Images

Alex Oakhill

Mon 4 August 2025 21:30, UK

Jim Ratcliffe is preparing for heavy backlash from Manchester United fans after his latest controversial move.

Liverpool fans declare 16-year-old wonderkid is ready for first-team action after stunning early goal on Anfield bow	Football news LIVE: Heung-min Son to leave Tottenham for MLS side, Liverpool ready to drop Alexander Isak pursuit	Football news LIVE: Son to leave Spurs for MLS, Newcastle make club-record bid for Sesko, Liverpool ready to drop Isak pursuit

Since the billionaire took control of the Red Devils at the end of 2023, his cost-cutting policies have been criticised.

Now Ratcliffe is facing yet more scrutiny, after the latest update on Man United’s plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium in the Old Trafford area.

United are considering rolling out a ‘personal seat licence’ (PSL), which would see fans charged up to £4,000 for the right to buy a season ticket at the new facility.

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes the decision would get a lot of pushback from fans.

Man United are set for a move away from Old Trafford

This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Man United supporters will “fight back” against the roll-out of PSLs.

The Red Devils’ supporters group, the 1958, are already planning to protest against the ticketing scheme.

Wyness added that PSLs are becoming more and more common in America and may start to be introduced in the Premier League.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s been common in America for a long time.

I looked at it back in my Villa days, but it’s something that has never been pushed because of the fight back from the fans.

“Now, if there is genuine supply and demand issues and we’re seeing stadiums full, I think clubs are going to be looking at it this season and saying, ok, for the season after, we may be looking at something like a seat licensing programme.

“It may just be for their top-level seats or something like this, but I think we’re going to see it coming into the game more and more.

I know there’s going to be pushback.

I know there’s going to be debates.

So I expect it to be coming in.”

Ratcliffe could face heavy backlash over PSL (Credit: Imago)

Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo is increasingly likely to remain at Man United beyond the end of the summer transfer window despite interest from Chelsea.

After talks over a new contract fell through earlier this year, the midfielder had been heavily linked with a permanent, big-money move away from United.

Ruben Amorim was not initially convinced by Mainoo, but has been won over by his performances in training and now values him as a key member of his squad.

This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Mainoo is set to remain at Old Trafford despite initial expectations that he would leave.

For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Related Posts


For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.